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—Image © Zynga
|First date available:
|Last date available:
|Required minimum level(s):
|Player Level: 1
|varies; see main article text
|World Location:
|All farms and expansions
cash (also known as FarmVille Cash, FarmVille Dollars, FarmVille Bucks, Farm Cash) is currency used to purchase in game items and skip tasks. It can be purchased with real-world money, and will also be slowly given to a player over time when reaching higher levels.FarmVille Cash can be earned by spending real-world money, either by using a PayPal account or a credit card. They were also formerly available by completing surveys. They are still available by leveling up (1 FarmVille Dollar per level up to level 250). 1 FarmVille Dollar is a possible gift inside a Mystery Gift, and inside Golden Mystery Eggs, Cornish Mystery Eggs, Scots Grey Mystery Eggs, Rhode Island Red Mystery Eggs.
Current Payment Forms Edit
Leveling up Edit
A player will receive 1 FarmVille dollar whenever they increase a level. At the beginning of the game, a player has 5 FarmVille dollars. Because of the relatively slow flow of cash from levels, this is not a very effective way of earning FarmVille Cash.
Game Cards Edit
Zynga has also released Farm Cash cards, exclusive to the U.S. Farmers who do not wish to or are unable to pay online can buy Farm Cash cards, which they can use to exchange for Farm Cash. They are currently available in $10, $20 and $50 amounts. Farm Cash cards were then released in the U.K (and still are) and currently sell them up to £10 , £25 and £50
50% Off Sale for FV cash Edit
One of these kinds of sales just occured on 20101121November 21, 2010 at midnight (Pacific Standard Time). It has a sale for FV cash, 50% OFF. For instance, 115 FV cash is worth a $20 game card before, and it was currently worth a $10 game card! This offers ends at 1:00 a.m. (once again, Pacific Standard Time).
Prizes Edit
- 1 FV cash (also known as the 1 Free Cash), is a unique gift in FarmVille.
There are four ways to get the 1 FV cash gift:
- The limited edition April Free Cash gift. It was available on 1–7 April 2010 during the April Fool's Day Event.
- Unique gift from the Mystery Gift and Grab Bag.
- From Mystery Eggs.
- Earn Blue Ribbons
- 2 FV cash (also known as the 2 Free Cash), is a unique gift in FarmVille.
- 3 FV cash (also known as the 3 Free Cash), is a unique gift in FarmVille that was released on April 15th.
- You can get the 3 FV cash gift only from the FarmVille Care Package.
- 5 FV cash
- Green Giant Promotion Code
- Complete "Drop Anchor!" quest.
- Complete "Rodents of Ruin" quest.
- 10 FV cash
- You can receive Free 10 FV Cash after installing Zynga Toolbar
- 25 FV cash
- You can receive Free 25 FV Cash for registering Zynga Account - Farmers who purchase farm cash using PayPal and register a new Zynga account can receive 25 free farm cash. You can then use your Zynga account to purchase farm cash for FarmVille or currency for other Zynga games.
- 200 FV cash
- Receiving the UBER gift in the 7 Eleven Promotion Event will grant the player with 200 FV cash.
Promotions Edit
A 20% OFF on FV Cash took place between December 24 and December 26, 2010. This promotion was applied on Farmers who purchased Zynga Game Card during the promotion period.
Another promotion took place between January 02 and January 31, 2011. Promotion was to buy a Game Card from Best Buy to receive a mystery box with your redemption.
A 50% OFF on FV Cash & Coins packages took place on February 01, 2011.
Another promotion took place between January 31 and February 03, 2011. Promotion was to purchase a Farm Cash or coins to receive an Alpine Goat with your redemption.
As of December 2010, several Zynga Game cards were made available through the American Express Reward Points Program. They can be redeemed for Membership Rewards points. Also, cards were made available through the Citi ThankYou Rewards and can be redeemed with ThankYou points.
Former Options of Payment Edit
Cell phone Edit
Formerly, a Cell phone survey (usually 40-55 cash) required a short quiz or survey to be completed and for a cell phone number to be provided. You would then receive a text message with a pin number that had to be entered on the FarmVille website. If you enter the pin you will be charged $9.99 a month for absolutely nothing (besides the 40-55 cash you receive one time). It is not advised to use this method of obtaining FarmVille
Troubleshooting Edit
In some cases, FarmVille dollars are not awarded when they should be. If that happens, the player must contact Double Ding - the company Zynga uses to provide the 3rd party surveys. Double Ding would then communicate with the company you completed a survey for. This is not always reliable and could take a long period of time.
How these methods were stopped Edit
Facebook had concerns about spam going on, and some offers were actually fake subscriptions, causing problems from users. Finally, offers were no longer in use in FarmVille.
Gallery Edit
See also Edit


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News Briefs
Gladbrook Theater 1. Gladbrook Theater closed this week. If you would like to help with some painting please stop in or call 641-473-2410. 2. Gladbrook Theater will show a test run of "The Adventures of TinTin" on Thurs. Jan. 26. If you donated to the digital/3D project you are cordially invited to attend. Concessions will open at 7:00 and the movie will show at 7:30. The movie is digital 3D, a first for the Gladbrook Theater.
Garwin American Legion Lounge The Garwin American Legion Lounge is now open Fri., Sat., and Sun., at 1 p.m. Public is welcome. Upcoming events include, Sat., Jan. 21, "Classic Country", 8 p.m., adult beverage specials.; Sun., Feb. 2, SB football party featuring a chili cook-off. For more information please call (641) 751-8270. Thank you for supporting our veterans.
Gladbrook Auxiliary Sewing Bee The Gladbrook Auxiliary will conduct a sewing bee on Thursday, January 19, and Friday, Janaury 20, starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Gladbrook Memorial Building. Please bring a can of soup and volunteers are needed.
Gladbrook Legion Pancake Breakfast The Gladbrook Legion will have a pancake, bisquits and gravy and french toast breakfast on Sunday, January 22 with proceeds for their Boys State program They will serve from 7-12:30pm and welcome everyone to come and support their community service.
Tama Co. Cattlement Tama County Cattlemen are currently seeking applications for their 2012 Tama County Beef Queen and 2012 Scholarship. All interested youth please contact a Tama County Cattlemen Board Director for an application. The 2012 Queen will be selected March 3rd during the County Banquet. All scholarship applications are due April 30, 2012 and announced in May.
Crop Residue and Fertilizer Management Workshop Planned Want to know more about strip-till? Fertilizer placement? Cover crops? Cost-share funding? Soil quality? These topics and more will be presented at a workshop on residue and fertilizer management on Tuesday, February 14 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Memorial & Legion Building in Gladbrook, 421 Johnson Street. It is free and open to the public, sponsored by the Union Grove Lake Watershed Project. For more information, please contact Melody Bro at (641) 484-2702, extension 120, or at firstname.lastname@example.com. The Union Grove Lake Watershed Project is a cooperative effort of the Tama Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.


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Introduction / HistoryThe old Indian man slowly straightens up from his bowed position as his young grandson waits impatiently. It is the first time the boy has been allowed to accompany the older boys and men to the river, and he is eager to begin. But first they must bow to the washing stone. As their ancestors before them, they earn their meager living by washing clothes for the higher castes. They are Dhobis, one of India's Dalit communities, formerly known as "untouchables." Their diet is mostly vegetables and grains, with an occasional bit of meat.
What are their lives like?When a Dhobi girl marries, her dowry usually contains just a few items, but almost always an iron. After the men wash the customers' clothes, the women iron them and keep the money they earn to pay for household expenses. Mothers teach the girls to iron at an early age, and boys help their fathers by washing the smaller articles of clothing and by delivering packages of clean clothes to their owners.
What are their beliefs?Most of the Dhobis follow popular Hinduism and worship local gods as well as the washing stones. The vast majority of these Dalits remain Hindu, but they have contact with other communities.
Prayer Points* Pray that the Dhobi people will hear the gospel and discover that Jesus Christ can wash away their sins.
* Pray that believers will tactfully share gospel recordings and play Christian radio broadcasts for Dhobi Hindus.
* Pray that the Holy Spirit will give faith to the Dhobis.


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How 'Ideation' Can Power Innovation
It means looking in four directions for creative solutions to pressing problems. Innovation delivery teams in several cities are pioneering the process.
The innovation delivery teams that five cities across the country have launched are part of an effort, supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, to produce smarter, more informed, big-picture solutions to significant policy and service-delivery challenges. At the core of their efforts is a concept known as "ideation."
In the context of local-government innovation, "ideation" means directly examining a problem in a systematic way, amassing many possible solutions culled from many places, and then probing and testing those ideas to see which are most likely to work.
This post, the fourth in a series on the topic of innovation delivery teams, offers something of a beginner's guide for cities interested in using ideation to help them set better policy; a full report on the subject can be found here.
A good ideation process can be thought of as one that encompasses four perspectives and entails looking in four "directions": A city must look:
• Outward at the national and even international landscape, scanning the horizon for ideas.
• Inward, at the issue or problem as it is manifested within the city, and at what the city is doing, or can do, about it.
• Backward, by speaking with stakeholders and insiders about how things have been.
• And then forward, by collaborating with stakeholders, agency staff and those who will use or benefit from the services to generate and examine ideas and hone them into a plan of action.
The work done by the cities that are part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies effort--Atlanta, Chicago, Louisville, Memphis and New Orleans--helps to illustrate the four-direction concept.
For example, New Orleans's innovation delivery team looked outward when it brought a group of peer-experts from other cities to the Big Easy for an interactive seminar and discussion. The Atlanta team's members did the traveling themselves, making visits to view some of the nation's best practices up close.
When Chicago's team looked inward at the city's existing policies and processes, one of the things it learned was that the city's 100-page guide to starting a restaurant was impenetrable to most who tried to read it. This led Chicago to embark upon a process of prototyping and testing new ideas until its team had produced a much clearer and shorter publication--one that aspiring restaurateurs could really use.
In Memphis, the innovation delivery team's members looked backward and forward at once by convening what they called "co-creation studios," at which they encouraged local business owners both to describe the challenges they had faced in the past and to talk about what they would like to see happen to their businesses and to the area in the future.
Louisville took a totally different approach to looking forward, holding an all-agency competition seeking grand-yet-feasible ideas from every corner of municipal government. By engaging with agency staff from the very earliest, conceptual stages of the process, the team laid the groundwork for policy initiatives informed and supported by those who would ultimately help implement them.
In addition to ensuring that it adopts each of these perspectives, a city should adhere throughout the ideation process to three core principles. First, an effective process requires an authorizing environment, in which a mayor or agency chief advocates strongly for the work and for those charged with spearheading it. Everyone should understand the role and mandate of the team leading the effort, with honesty and openness embraced at every level, starting at the top.
Second, a good process will balance openness with discipline. The process should be free enough to produce a wealth of new ideas and feedback, yet clearly time-limited. Ideation is about being creative and thoughtful, but it should not be mistaken for--or allowed to devolve into--random wish-making. The work should be rigorous, but also vigorous.
Third, cities should design with people, not for them. This means bringing not only those who are making and executing policy but also those who will be affected by it into the process and getting their perspectives and feedback. This helps ensure that the end product both reaches and serves the target audience.
If a city looks in all four directions in the course of its efforts and follows the guiding principles outlined above, it should wind up with a comprehensive view of the problem and a shortlist of the most promising potential solutions.


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There was an interesting discussion thread started yesterday by readers Jay and Trav concerning 4th downs. I wanted to write a post on this because this is something I often get worked up about! And I also see a (very) gradual evolution in football that may eventually lead to NFL coaches coming around to my view on this. Anyway, here are the posts that got this started with my commentary beneath. Let us know what you think.
Read Jay wrote: Oh hey… Question for you. I am sure you saw the stories on Pulaski HS in Arkansas. What do you think of the statistics based strategy? Think it could work in the NFL? I really enjoyed seeing Rodgers convert though 4th downs today!
Reader Trav responded: Jay – Read that same article some time ago and it is an interesting use of the data to make game management decisions. We talk about this at work all the time with our business partners: "the data doesn't lie". I think it's a matter of who will have the guts to step up and embrace a data driven decision model like this and be willing to take the heat for it when they don't make a 4th down conversion and force a short field for the D.
I think what hurts NFL and College Head Coaches to the same extent, is that they have the precedent of "this is always how it was done" that rules their judgment along with, generally, being way too conservative in their management style.
Using the NBA as a counterpoint, it is such a statistics driven league to the point of how to defend a player to push them to a particular point on the court because their shooting percentage is X percentage points lower than at a different spot. Same with MLB.
You don't read that much about the NFL using similar statistics, or I should say I haven't seen cover stories pointing this out like the SI article you referenced. They may do it and it would be interesting to see how often the "gut" of the coach would override the data. I have to believe MM has a chart about when to go for 2 along with Asst Coaches with him and in this case went with his gut to kick the PAT rather than try it earlier in the 4th.
My Comment: Good points Trav and Jay. Trav, I agree there is really an element of "this is how it's always been done" – something that I find so unfortunate about the approach to 4th downs. And I also agree Trav that it often comes down to coaches not wanting to take the heat for bucking what has unfortunately become the conventional approach to 4th downs. While coaches may understandably fear the immediate and seemingly relentless scrutiny of the now ubiquitous NFL media and the wrath of the fans, that's no excuse in my book because on a fundamental level, their overly conservative decisions are not supported by the available analytics.
Jay, I have read those articles and a few others about teams that have done this. The best guy to read on this stuff is Gregg Easterbrook – ESPN's Tuesday Morning QB. Like me and the coaches of these teams, he can't stand the weak coaching decisions to punt at times when it really doesn't make sense and every week in his article he calls out the coaches that made poor 4th down decisions. Now, I'm not sure I'd go as far as some of these coaches go when they virtually never punt as there are actually some situations where I would punt. But overall, the numbers really do support being far more "aggressive" than coaches are on 4th downs and it's really a wonder that more coaches don't take more "risks". And I don't find it coincidental that the coaches that are usually more willing to take "risks" are simply better coaches (Belichick, Sean Payton, now Chip Kelly, etc). As you note Trav, I think MLB is a good example of how numbers can help make decisions (though I have to say, there are times when I think some MLB managers go perhaps too far the other way relying solely on numbers and discounting other factors).
Admittedly, there are a number of other factors to consider when going for it on 4th down like: how far do we have to go (stats obviously say the shorter the distance better chance of converting)? where on the field am I? how good is my offense? how good is their defense (or how well has their defense been playing lately)? how good is my defense (if I have a stifling D, playing a field position game makes a tiny bit more sense)? how good is their offense? is it a home or away game? how good is my punter/kicker? is it early or late in the game? could my team use a momentum jolt? will not converting cause a major confidence meltdown for my team? past short-yardage conversion percentage? do I have good short-yardage conversion plays available? A good coach should be able to consider all these questions quickly in the moment when making a 4th down decision. And these factors do matter – and can and should at times cause a coach to perhaps disregard analytics.
But one other key factor that isn't talked about much in discussions of all of this is that 4th downs are often made more difficult because of the play calls made on 3rd downs. In fact, if I were a coach, I would make the decision to go for it on 4th down, most of the time, before it is even 4th down. I would decide to go for it when making the play call for 3rd down. For example, if it's 3rd and 7 at the 50 yard line, most teams try to throw it 7 yards to get the first. If they don't get it they punt. That's conventional wisdom (yet that's not supported by the widely available/proven analytics). If I were a coach, I would tell the team on 3rd down that this is 4 down territory and I would call a run play or throw a short pass for 3-4 yards or so, leaving a much shorter 4th down conversion (of course still hoping my guy can get those 7 yards). Going about it this way would greatly increase the overall odds of converting then on 4th down and short. And defenses would likely be caught off guard as they'd be playing for the 7 yard pass and giving up pretty much anything less than that. Interestingly, this is how coaches should approach down/distance on 1st and 2nd downs too in order to increase the odds of a 3rd down conversion – part of why I find the Dallas Cowboys games so unwatchable (they face more 3rd and long plays than anyone it seems…). Anyway, if coaches embraced this approach (again, generally deciding on 3rd down that they will be going for it on 4th down if need be, and then going after shorter/higher percentage yards on 3rd down), the numbers that already support going for it on 4th down would be even harder to ignore because the yardage needed to convert on 4th down will have been decreased most likely by the 3rd down play. And the shorter the yardage needed to convert, the higher the chance of converting. Of course. (And I should add, that if the 4th down play call could be immediately ready for the team after 3rd down – i.e. no huddle – the 4th down conversion attempt would be considerably more difficult for a defense to defend as they likely wouldn't have the right personnel on the field.)
Bottom line is – if I were a coach, I would go for it on 4th down quite a bit more than NFL coaches do. And that's why I state often during Packer game live blogs that "this is 4 down territory". While I can admit that I'd be concerned about the aftermath of a decision that didn't quite work out if I were a coach, I wouldn't let that guide my decisions making. In most cases after considering other factors, I would most likely let the numbers guide it.
Support for this viewpoint can be found in this fantastic article at the New York Times. Be sure to check out the chart that breaks down what NFL coaches typically do vs what they should do. Just fantastic.


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Some people you meet change your life forever.
When I met Abeba, a beautiful, sweet and special little girl in one of our Joyce Meyer Ministries feeding programs in Ethiopia, she was severely malnourished. Her little body was swollen, already in the shut-down mode of starvation. Many in her village were starving, but she was one of the worst cases.
The thing that blew me away about Abeba was her joy. Despite how much pain she was in from malnutrition and her living conditions, Abeba's smile always glowed. I had the opportunity to give food to Abeba's mother for Abeba and her nine brothers and sisters. They were visibly happy and thankful just to have something to eat. Often, the food our ministry provides in this region is the difference between life and death for many of these children and families. Abeba now had a new shot at life.
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Our team had the privilege of spending quite a bit of time with her. A year later as we prepared for a return trip to Ethiopia, I was excited to see Abeba. Sadly, just before we left for the trip, we learned she had passed away.
At first I was shocked. Then I bawled for a while. I just couldn't believe this had happened.
On the plane back to Ethiopia, I felt empty and hopeless: If we are going to help these kids and they're not going to make it, what's the point?
Then while we were there I saw Abeba's mom with one of Abeba's little sisters, and it hit me: There's more to do. There are more people to help. Yes, there will be kids who don't make it, but there are a lot more who need our help. And we can help. So we can't give up.
We were able to give Abeba a year free of hunger and full of love. Her life greatly affected me. God used her to teach me about my purpose. When I wake up now, what I care about and focus on is different. Abeba inspired me to change and do more. I am humbled to have been a part of her life.
I believe God allows important connections like these so that we can come back and tell their story, encouraging others to find their own purpose and do something to make a difference in our world.
As Much As You Can, Wherever You Can
My passion is seeing people's lives changed through the message of Jesus Christ, as our ministry shows them His love. Whether we're reaching out through my mom's teaching or the missions outreaches we're involved in, it's all about real, relevant, intentional ministry. We share the gospel and relieve human suffering in any way we can, wherever we can.
Through our missions arm, Hand of Hope, we are privileged to be part of thousands of outreaches resulting in people being loved, fed, medically treated, rescued from slavery, restored from disasters, etc.
A few years ago, after an amazing night of outreach in Los Angeles where more than 2,000 people gave their lives to Jesus, something struck me: Because God is working through our ministry, a great magnitude of His work is happening all at the same time, all around the world. As a result of people coming together in a joint effort, the impossible is truly becoming possible.
I sat and thought about all that was happening at the same time those 2,000 people gave their lives to Jesus:
While we were in Los Angeles, my brother David was across the world in Cambodia with a team of people kicking off one of our ministry's largest-ever mission outreaches.
At the same time, the gospel was being preached on hundreds of TV and radio stations through our daily programs—reaching a potential audience of two-thirds of the world. There also were hungry kids being fed through our feeding programs—kids that would have otherwise starved to death.
Across Asia, people were caring for orphans in our children's homes. And while that was happening, postal workers were delivering life-changing resources to help families grow in their walk with God.
Disaster relief teams we had sponsored were finishing another long day of relief and rebuilding work, and thousands of men, women and children were waking up in newly constructed villages and homes that we helped rebuild in parts of India and Sri Lanka after the tsunami. The list kept going.
Together, we are showing the love of Jesus as much as we can, wherever we can. The really amazing thing is that these kinds of outreaches are not just happening for one day—but rather every day! God's grace and all of us doing our part make this possible. Every member of the team is an important piece of the big picture.
Our mission is to make God's Word accessible to as many people as possible. We know that His Word is always current. So our job is to keep ourselves current so that we can catch the attention of the people He wants to reach. That's why we use media outlets like our website, TV and radio programs, Facebook, Twitter and mobile apps that offer daily devotionals and access to our Enjoying Everyday Life broadcast.
I am humbled by all God is doing through us and honored to be part of such a great team of people. It's pretty amazing what He is allowing us to accomplish together around the world—mind-blowing, really! All glory and honor to Him.
Partners Play a Huge Part
When I talk about our team, I'm not just referring to our employees. Everyone—our employees, our friends, our partners—they are all irreplaceable. Their ongoing prayer and support allow us to reach so many in the United States and throughout the world.
Words can't describe how grateful we are to our partners. Our family regularly prays for them, and several teams in our office pray daily for them and their prayer requests. Their faithful generosity is literally helping change lives across the globe, and we can't thank them enough!
In addition to individual partners, we also have organization partners—great relationships with dozens of groups like Convoy of Hope, Service International, Mercy Ministries and Crisis Aid, to name a few. We think of these ministries as God's hands and feet, reaching out to help hurting people and fulfill the Great Commission, often in very remote, unreached places.
In the words of my brother, David, "Together, we are better!" God is using our unique differences and talents to make an even bigger impact than we ever could alone. If you have partnered with us in any way, I want to say, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" You are helping to rewrite people's stories.
I think of a young boy named Les in our orphanage in Cambodia. Les and I became good buddies. His father was killed in a fishing accident while working, and his mother could not afford to keep him and his five siblings alive.
Without a ministry like this orphanage, Les would likely grow up on the streets. His story has been rewritten. Les is growing up fed, clothed and educated. He has a roof over his head, a new family that gives him much love and attention, and most important, he's learning about Jesus!
Les is just one of the thousands of lives that together we are changing. Seeing the difference in his life motivates me to do more.
We All Can Do Something
More than anything, I want people and churches to know that we can all do more. Like my mom says in her book, Change Your World, we firmly believe that every church or ministry and every Christian should be involved in world missions, helping the poor and needy. It's a vital part of being a follower of Jesus.
When we do more, more people will be affected, more people will be helped, more people will experience the love of Jesus. And I firmly believe that God's commands to help and serve others changes not only the lives of the people we touch, but we are changed in the process as well.
If you lead a church with limited resources, know this: Small things do make a difference. Some people and churches might have resources to do big things while others can't. That's OK. Just do something with what you have—whether it's mowing an elderly neighbor's lawn or leading a missions trip that awakens your congregation to others' needs.
Look at the lives of the people that have impacted you. Assess the relationships you have and the opportunities to partner with others to make a greater impact. Consider the resources in your hands and within your reach. Then do something to show the love of Jesus.
Daniel Meyer is CEO of U.S. Media and Operations for Joyce Meyer Ministries and co-creator of Fuzed Worship, an outreach of JMM. Driven by a passion to see lives changed, he is committed to positioning JMM for the next generation and beyond, and effectively communicating the irreplaceable role of its partners.
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Text and photos by Lindsey Johnson for Design Mom.
Lingerie. Bras and panties, slips, hosiery, camisoles, bustiers, nightgowns. Unmentionables.
They are often silky, satiny, lacy, and ornate. They are feminine and beautiful. As a little girl I loved watching my mom gently wash and care for her undergarments and was always fascinated by the little bit of extra time and effort she put into it. I couldn't wait until I was old enough for my first bra and I could trade in my Strawberry Shortcake underwear for pretty, grown-up panties. I took notes while I watched my mom and learned a few tips for taking proper care of my underthings. It not only keeps them looking beautiful, but they last longer too.
So lets talk about those silky, sexy unmentionables and the secrets to keeping them properly washed and looking lovely. (And I'll try not to blush!)
The first step is looking at the care label. This might seem like a given, but it's easy to overlook something so obvious. The labels are not there for looks and certainly not for comfort! Manufacturers know how to best care for the clothing items they make, so don't ignore the care instructions. Sometimes the care instructions are clearly written out and sometimes you have to decode the symbols. Take notice of key information — particularly the type of materials or fabric used and then the temperature of water and drying instructions.
If you are like me and snip those little tags from your undergarments, you could make a note somewhere or keep the tags in a jar near the laundry room for quick reference. Secret #1: If the tags are long gone or too worn to read, play it safe and skip the washer. (More on this later.) If you are really a stickler for instructions, and know the name of the brand, often their website will offer care instructions.
Lingerie and hosiery are made of delicate fabrics and materials that require a little more TLC than t-shirts and blue jeans. Polyester, nylon, silk, and cotton, or blends of these are the norm. For the most part, the care instructions will be fairly similar. Except for silk. Secret #2: Silk requires more attention and love — and usually dry cleaning.
Other materials — interfacing, elastic, wires — are used to provide structure. And then there are pretty buttons, ribbons and bows, beads and other details and decorative trim. Because many undergarments are made using several different materials and fabrics, it is all the more important to read the labels and follow them.
Hand-washing vs. Machine-washing
Depending on what the care label says, it's time to decide how to proceed. Will you hand-wash or machine-wash?
Even if the label says machine-washable, I sometimes hand-wash anyway. Hand-washing is much more gentle, so if you have items with more beading or special trim, choose that over machine-washing. In fact, if I have any questions on the care instructions at all, I err on the side of caution and hand-wash.
For hand washing, fill the bathroom sink, large bowl or washtub with warm or cool water. Swish the undergarment in the water, add detergent (not much — about 1 Tbsp) gently agitate or squeeze the suds through the garment.
If there are any spots that need extra attention, like perspiration stains, treat with a little of the detergent and allow the item to pre-soak for a bit. Gently rub the fabric against itself or use a soft cloth to scrub the stains away.
Be sure to remove rings from your fingers and be extra careful if you have long fingernails so you don't snag the fabric. This is especially true when hand-washing hosiery.
That being said, machine-washing can be a great way to save time and is safe for most fabrics. (Remember- — not silk!)
To machine wash, start by purchasing an inexpensive, fine-mesh bag. There bags made for lingerie in general and there are special bags designed especially for bras. One trick with machine-washing is that some undergarments, bras especially, might become twisted, bunched, or lose their shape. This is especially true if your bra has any kind of padding.
Using a special mesh bra bag can help bras keep their shape and will also keep straps from getting caught on and tangled around washer parts. Secret #4: When you place your bras in the bag, fasten all hooks so they don't catch on lace or straps.
I like to use larger, rectangular bags for my nylons and tights. If your washer comes with a small basket insert, this is the perfect time to use it and you may not need to bother with a mesh bag. (Though I still recommend using one.)
Again, if there are any spots that need extra attention, treat with a little of the detergent and allow the item to pre-soak for a bit. Gently rub the fabric against itself or use a soft cloth to scrub the stains away, then add to the mesh bag.
Utilize the gentle cycle on your washer. Generally, I allow the washer to fill with water, add the detergent, and then the items. Wash undergarments together in very small batches, with like colors, and not with other larger items like towels and clothes.
Detergents and Water Temperature
Be sure to use a liquid, mild detergent that is specifically made for delicates. The gentler formula of these special detergents isn't quite as harsh and is made for delicate fabrics. In a pinch, I have also used a gentle baby shampoo.
Warm or cool water is gentler on clothes and will prevent shrinking. If you must use hot water, make sure the care label says it's safe. Certain materials, such as interfacing, can shrink in hot water causing the item to pucker or become misshapen. Hot water is also damaging to elastic.
Secret #5: Never use bleach on delicate fabrics. It's too harsh and damaging. Pre-soak instead.
Once your undies are washed and rinsed, it's time to dry them. Resist the urge to twist them and wring out. Instead, pat dry or roll up in a towel to remove excess water before hanging up to finish drying. Use extra care for any items with wires to prevent bending or breaking. Always line dry unless otherwise specified on label.
I tend to hang my bras by one strap on a hanger and let them dry overnight. Another option is to reshape them (good for padding) and let them dry flat on top of a towel. Thinner fabrics will dry more quickly. Anything with padding will take longer, so place it somewhere it will be able to dry out — not in a steamy bathroom or damp basement, for example.
Secret #6: I never dry my bras in the dryer. Even if the label says it's okay, I still line dry. As I mentioned above, elastic will deteriorate with heat, especially the strong heat that dryers produce. And then there's shrinking. Interfacing often shrinks more than other fabrics, which causes garments to become misshapen or pucker. Not good. Better safe than sorry! If you must dry your bra in the dryer, use the lowest heat setting you can.
How Often To Wash
Now for the big question: How often should bras and other undergarments be washed?
Washing undergarments too often will wear them out more quickly, but you should wash them often enough that the fabrics don't break down from natural body oils, deodorants, lotions and perfumes, etc. And as you can guess, letting soiled clothing sit for too long in the hamper isn't a good idea.
A good rule of thumb is to wash a bra after you've worn it twice. If you have perspired a lot, then you might want to wash it after one wearing — this applies to sports bras particularly. If you have a drawer full of bras that you rotate wearing, then you might only be taking care of your delicate laundry every few weeks. If you only have a few bras, this might be every few days or once a week.
When it comes to other undergarments and hosiery, it's personal preference and there's some debate here. (I'm not talking about panties. Your mom was right: wear a clean pair every day!) I wash my nylons and tights about every third time I wear them, unless they are worn for an extended length of time. You'll know when it's time. : ) Slips and other items seem to last longer between washes, so they might only get a wash once a month, more if I am dressing up more often.
Secret #7: All of these secrets apply bathing suits and leotards too!
And now I'd love to know: Do you have your own favorite tips for taking care of delicates? How often do you wash your unmentionables? And the question I'm most curious about: Do you say panties, undies or underwear? (I have a friend who hates the word panties!)
P.S. — Love secrets? You can find all of the other Secrets to Living Well here.


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Our merchandise store contains pet supplies and related merchandise. Be sure to also check out our Great Pyrenees Book Store for a wealth of Great Pyrenees related books and resources.
Flea, tick and worm prevention is a very important part of having a healthy canine companion. Traditionally, effective medication was only available through local veterinarians at substantial markup. Now you can order the same medication that is available from your vet and have it shipped to your door while enjoying substantial savings.
Manufacturer: K9 Advantix
New Price: From $67.99 (6 applications)
K9 Advantix offers 5-way protection, repelling and killing ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes, repelling biting flies, and killing chewing lice. Even after a bath or running in the rain, your dog will still be protected by waterproof K9 Advantix. For best results, use a non-detergent shampoo during baths. K9 Advantix combines 2 proven ingredients, imidacloprid and permethrin, that work synergistically against external parasites. The mode of action of imidacloprid complements the activity of permethrin. Each affects parasite nerve cells at different sites to rapidly debilitate, paralyze, and kill by acting on their central nervous systems and sparing your dog discomfort. Do not use on cats. For dogs over 55 pounds.
Manufacturer: Frontline
New Price: From $32.99 (3 applications)
Longest-lasting, most complete spot-on flea and tick protection available, Flea treatment kills 100% of adult fleas on your dog within 24-48 hours. Kills all stages of 4 major ticks including the ones that may transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Frontline flea and tick keeps killing fleas and ticks for at least four weeks
Manufacturer: Sentry
New Price: From $124.99 (12 applications)
Sentry's large dog dewormer medication kills 7 strains of tapeworms, hookworms and ringworms and comes in a chewable tablet that is administered once a month as worm prevention. Contains 12 applications.
GPS Tracking Products
There is not a lot in life more heartbreaking than losing a canine family member. With the wandering nature of the Great Pyrenees, chances are fairly good that you will be unintentionally seperated from your pet at least once in its lifetime. With certain pets more likely to become lost than others, it only makles sense to do everything your can to ensure that you are reunited with yoru pet as soon as possible. With today's GPS tracking techology, it is now possible to own presise pet tracking at an affordable price.
Manufacturer: Spotlight
New Price: From $219.99
The Marco Polo system includes a hand-held portable locator, a collar tag, charger, quick start and user guides. Up to two additional collar tags can be added (sold separately) to allow monitoring and tracking of up to three pets. Collar tags weigh only 1.75 ounces and are suitable for use on pets 10 lbs and larger. Marco Polo's unique tag addressing scheme ensures no interference with other Marco Polo systems. New tags can be added to a system at any time. The ultra-long battery life (up to 3 months) and no monthly services fees provide you with years of hassle-free, cost-free peace of mind. Compared to subscription-based products, Marco Polo will save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the system. When searching for your pet, Marco Polo acts like a personal radar system, scanning every inch of the surrounding area, including the interiors of homes and backyards. The system range is up to 2 miles in open conditions but, as with any 2-way radio system, varies with terrain and obstructions. If your pet is outside the systems range you can continuously scan hundreds of acres of surrounding area as you drive or walk around. Once within range of your pet the Marco Polo locator will guide you directly to their exact location, within inches if necessary, even if they are injured or hiding. Select one of four safety zone ranges for your pet (in typical areas, smallest range is a 50 ft. radius). Receive warnings in less than 80 seconds when your pet wanders. Marco Polo is the perfect solution for protecting your pets while traveling. Your pets selected safety zone follows you as you move. No internet or cellular access is needed so you can take your pets with you to the most remote locations, knowing that you will be alerted quickly if they wander and easily track them if they become lost. With the peace of mind that Marco Polo provides you can read a book or take a nap knowing that your pets are being continually watched over.
Manufacturer: Garmin
New Price: From $699.99
The Garmin Astro 220 GPS tracking collar and receiver is perfect solution for dogs that become lost and for ownership peace of mind without the need of paying a montly monitoring fee.
The Astro system includes a bright color-screen handheld GPS device and the rugged, orange polyurethane DC 40 collar. The collar accommodates most e-collar receivers eliminating the need to put two separate collars on a dog. Plus, Collar Lock creates a four-digit PIN number that helps prevent others from seeing your dogs whereabouts a useful feature in field trials to ensure that an Astro is used only as a recovery tool when a dog in competition becomes lost.
To get started, just take Astro outdoors and turn on the handheld and transmitter to acquire GPS satellite signals. Then attach the DC 40 to your dog. Astro shines when youre out on the hunt, but it also excels in getting you back to your truck at the end of the day, or even back home again. In fact, the Astro handheld has all the features of Garmins top-line handheld outdoor devices, including a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, microSD card slot, celestial information, area calculator and rugged, IPX7 waterproof exterior. With optional detailed city street maps, you can search for over 6 million points of interest and create a route on roads with exact turn-by-turn directions.
Electronic Containment Products
If you reside in a country setting and full fencing is not feasible or cost effective, one option that is available is electronic containment. While this is not effective for all Great Pyrenees, especially those determined "escape artist" types, many owners report success using these products. Those that enjoy the most success are pets that seldom wander as these products give just that little extra incentive to your pet to remain in the yard.
Manufacturer: Petsafe
New Price: From $259.99
The PetSafe Wireless Containment System is a simple, yet effective alternative to traditional outdoor fencing or buried wire fencing. Instead of using spools of boundary wire around your yard, the PIF-300 uses radio frequency to guard your pet against straying. The system is also portable, allowing you to provide a wireless pet area when traveling.
With the Wireless Containment System, you can keep pets over 8 pounds safely contained in the area of your choosing. Simply plug in the transmitter and it will emit a constant radio signal from an adjustable range of up to 90 feet in all directions. Typically, full set-up takes less than an hour and no installation, wire burying or stakes are required.
The SportDog Brand In-Ground Fence is a simple and cost-effective alternative to a traditional fence. Safe and effective for dogs over 10 pounds. Follow the training instructions to get your dog acquainted with his new boundaries and he will be staying safely in you yard in no time.
General Pet Products
New Price: From $39.99
Toughen up your dog's look with a strong leather collar! This Leather Collar ensures high quality and durability and adjusts from 22-27"in circumference, it's suitable for large to extra large breeds such as Great Pyrenees, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Great Danes and Weimaraners.
Manufacturer: Private Label
New Price: From $29.99
This large black genuine leather dog collar measures 28 inches in length, and is made for large dogs with necks measuring from 22 to 26 inches. The collar is 1 5/8" wide, and has 26 1/2" chrome plated spikes, accented with 86 polished pyramid studs and 12 round studs, to give your dog that fierce look. The spikes are high quality, individually screwed into the leather. This collar is great for great Pyrenees, Dalmations, Dobermans, Chows and Golden Retrievers.
Manufacturer: BestPet
New Price: From $49.99
Extra large dog kennel features Three doors - Easy and secure access from front, top, or side; Rounded corners to protect you, your pet, and your clothing; dual bolt type latches on each door. Easily removable pan for cleaning, Suitcase style folding crate - Quickly fold and carry with included plastic handle; No assembly required - Comes pre-assembled - Just unfold and use! Tough satin black powder coat finish - Long-lasting finish. Size: 49"(L) x 29"(W) x 32"(H)
Manufacturer: Oster
New Price: From $23.99
The Oster Grooming Tool line is complete with rakes and combs for a variety of breeds and coat types. The Wide 18 Teeth Coarse Rake 078928-300 is ideal for large breeds with thick undercoat.
Manufacturer: Coastal Pet Products
New Price: From $12.99
The Evolution Grooming Undercoat Rake leaves your dogs coat looking shiny and neat. To maintain a healthy coat, use the Grooming Undercoat Rake regularly. Its long rotating teeth penetrate deep into and easily pull through the coat and undercoat for a tangle-free appearance. The short teeth then collect the hair. The teeth have smooth, rounded ends that feel gentle on the skin. Ideal for collies, Golden Retrievers, St. Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, Chow Chows, terriers, schnauzers, and other breeds with thick, heavy coats. Remember to always comb in the direction of the hair growth.
The large slicker brush by Miracle Coat is one of the best tools for grooming undercoats. The fine, wire pins reach into the undercoat to remove loose hair. Regular use deters matting.


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Welcome to the Health & Wellness Library! Over the years, Wholesale Nutrition has compiled a collection of informative articles & journals about brain & body health. To see a list of articles, simply click on a topic in the grid below.
Do you have an article that you would like us to feature in the Health & Wellness Library? Click on the "Contact Us" tab and send it to us as an email or send us a link.
What is Alpha Lipoic Acid? (Linus Pauling Institute)
Alpha Lipoic Acid Uses (About.com)
Alpha Lipoic Acid Significantly Improves Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy (Mayo Clinic)
Alpha Lipoic Acid Explored as an Anti-Aging Compond (University of California)


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Tech Companies Mum On Factory Audits @ Buzzfeed. John Herrman wrote to the gadget makers out there…
Under immense pressure, Apple decided to let independent auditors into its suppliers' factories. So we asked other companies: Will you do the same?
It's a simple question, phrased politely, and sent to the right people. Does your company have any plans to let independent auditors check up on your suppliers' factories? Here's what I got from some of the world's biggest electronics companies. They had a month to respond:
This is a follow up to my previous post "NEWS FROM THE FUTURE – Factory Audits Becomes a Feature". I think the massive maker community could help put the pressure on these companies as well. Makers tend to care about the origin of things, how they're made and by who. We're also willing to a pay a few bucks more if it's made better, lasts longer and is repairable – and most of all, I think we care about the conditions in which something is made. At some point an agreed upon indicator will sought after by more and more customers, right now Apple is leading they way, they're the easy target being #1 in a few arenas – and they're turning this to the standard that other gadget makers may be held to.


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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson hurt his right leg in Sunday's loss to the St. Louis Rams and his status for the rest of the season is uncertain.
Coach Chan Gailey said he's hasn't yet talked to trainers, but described the injury as not looking good following a 15-12 defeat to the Rams.
Jackson was hurt with 5:26 remaining, when two Rams defenders sandwiched the player's leg while making a tackle.
Jackson was unable to put much weight on his leg, while being helped off the field. He was then driven off in a cart while fans chanted ``Freddie!''
Jackson missed two games earlier this season with a sprained right knee.
Rams safety Craig Dahl didn't return after sustaining a concussion. Starting left tackle Rodger Saffold couldn't finish because of a back injury.
Online:http://pro32.ap.org/poll andhttp://twitter.com/AP-NFL


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Dick, David Jakob (1861-1919)
David Jakob Dick: estate owner and philanthropist; born on 29 June 1861 on the Rosenhof Estate in the Brodsky area of Taurida province, near Melitopol. His parents were Jakob Jakob and Anna (nee Schmidt) Dick, owners of a large estate. David was the seventh of 11 children. On 21 October 1887, David married Katharina Schmidt, daughter of Peter Schmidt II, owner of the Steinbach estate. The couple had 11 children, all of whom lived to adulthood. David died on 18 October 1919 at his home.
David Jakob Dick completed his elementary education in a private school on the estate, after which he went to the Gnadenfeld Zentralschule, graduating in three years. He joined the Petershagen Mennonite Church. After their wedding, David and Katharina lived with Katharina's mother on the Steinbach estate. They finally moved into their own house in 1894 and lived there for the rest of their lives.
The couple had extensive land holdings in the Apanlee area and in the Crimea. Through further purchases and inheritance, the Dicks soon owned land on the Tamak Estate, as well as the Burulcha Estate near Simferopol. It was reported that the Dicks' total annual income was about 150,000 rubles.
The Dicks treated their employees well and apparently paid reasonable wages. David Jakob Dick was a farmer (Landmann) at heart and ran a model farm operation. He particularly liked purebred cattle and horses, often importing animals to improve his breeding program.
Although they had not previously been particularly spiritual, both David and Katharina had a conversion experience in 1896 through the influence of an itinerant Mennonite minister, Jakob Quiring. After that time, the orientation of the couple was strongly focused on helping others and bringing them the good news of salvation. They helped start a monthly fellowship group which eventually became a new church known as the Molotschnär Evangelische Mennoniten-Brüderschaft, also known as the Allianzgemeinde.
David Dick was very concerned about the training of preachers and teachers and held special week-long seminars, alternating between Yushanlee, Steinbach and Apanlee. He was also a founder of the Molotschna Tract Society in 1904 and was later involved with the "Tent Mission," as well as with the Mennonite forestry service camps (Forstei) camps in Russia, trying to appoint camp managers with a Christian orientation, and also arranging for itinerant ministers to hold evangelistic meetings in the camps.
David was also vitally interested in education. Together with Jakob Sudermann, he played a vital role in the founding and funding of the Zentralschule in Alexanderkrone. David and Jakob were two of the ten founding members of the Alexanderkrone Schulverein (Board of Directors) and helped in the founding of the Halbstadt Kommerzschule.
The Dick household was known to be sympathetic to the poor and disadvantaged, often donating money to people in need. David contributed heavily to the Maria School for the Deaf and Dumb in Tiege, as well as to orphanages and other charitable institutions.
After the Russian Revolution, two Communists briefly imprisoned David but released him on the intervention of the peasants. On 16 October 1919, bandits attacked the estate, taking almost everything. That night, six more bandits broke in and demanded money; they started shooting when they found the Dicks did not have much money on hand. Katherina was killed and David badly wounded. He died on 18 October 1919.
David Jakob Dick was a model farmer and philanthropist who greatly affected the people around him. Over the years, he gave away most of the money he had made, leaving a legacy of generosity for his children and the community around him.
Dick, David. "Faith Put to the Test." Mennonite Brethren Herald (15 April 1977): 1-4.
Friedensstimme (15 April 1906): 154; (27 May 1906): 221; (17 June 1906): 252; (30 September 1906): 432-433; (17 February 1907): 77; (9 June 1912): 7.
Friesen, P. M. Die Alt-Evangelische Mennonitische Brüderschaft in Russland (1789-1910). Halbstadt, Taurida: Raduga, 1911: 513, 659, 722-724, 763; Documentation pp. 722-24 places the organization of the Allianz church to have occurred at Juschanlee on 16 May 1905. Peter Riediger, quoted by J. B. Toews, says the meeting was in a large granary on the David Dick estate in 1906.
Goerz, H. Die Mennonitische Siedlungen der Krim, Winnipeg, MB: Echo-Verlag, 1957: 35 (p. 27 in the English translation).
Huebert, Helmut T. Mennonite Estates in Imperial Russia. Winnipeg, MB: Springfield Publishers, 2005.
Huebert, Helmut T. Molotschna Historical Atlas, Winnipeg, MB: Springfield Publishers, 2003: 179.
Jahresbericht . . . in Sachen der Unterhaltung der Forstkommandos im Jahre 1908. 1908 Forstei List: 14.
Koop, Erika (granddaughter), personal family information. This includes letters and essays written by David Dick himself, as well as reports by a number of the children.
Kroeker, Abraham J. "Das Begräbnis von David und Kath. Dick, Apanlee." Friedensstimme, carried in three successive issues starting 30 November 1919: 1
Lohrenz, Gerhard. Heritage Remembered. Winnipeg, MB: CMBC Publications, 1974: 67, 68, 119, 193.
Regehr, T. D. For Everything a Season. Winnipeg, MB: CMBC Publications, 1988: 8, 19, 28, 36-37, 41-42, 46, 50, 61, 69, 70, 110, 129, 134, 144.
Sudermann, David P., personal family information.
Toews, Aron A. Mennonitische Märtyrer der jüngsten Vergangenheit und der Gegenwart, 2 vols. Abbotsford, BC: Selbstverlag des Verfassers, 1949-1954: v. II, 369-377.
Toews, John B. "Russian Mennonites and Allianz." Journal of Mennonite Studies (1996): 49, 53-61.
Volksfreund (10 June 1918): 7.
Wiebe, Irmgard, personal family information.
|Susan Huebert
|Date Published
|February 2009
Cite This Article
MLA style
Huebert, Susan. "Dick, David Jakob (1861-1919)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. February 2009. Web. 30 Sep 2020. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Dick,_David_Jakob_(1861-1919)&oldid=117705.
APA style
Huebert, Susan. (February 2009). Dick, David Jakob (1861-1919). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 30 September 2020, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Dick,_David_Jakob_(1861-1919)&oldid=117705.
©1996-2020 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.


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AROMAS — A 50-year-old woman who barricaded herself in an Aromas home with guns for 18 hours surrendered to authorities Friday morning.
No one was injured in the standoff, which drew a SWAT team and prompted a lockdown at Aromas School Thursday afternoon.
"We were very happy that it was a peaceful outcome for everyone," Monterey County sheriff"s Cmdr. Lisa Nash said.
Deputies initially responded to a report of a domestic dispute about 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the home on Bardue Street, Nash said. Authorities said that a woman, Jacqueline Burse-Woodard, held a gun to her husband.
Deputies have not said what started the argument.
Burse-Woodard"s husband was found outside the home when authorities arrived. They took him away from the scene.
Because there were other guns in the home, authorities surrounded the property and tried to negotiate with Burse-Woodard by phone for about 90 minutes, Nash said.
The Monterey County SWAT team and Hostage Negotiation Team were called about 2 p.m.
Nash said Burse-Woodard threatened to use the weapons if anyone tried to enter the home.
Students, teachers, parents and staff at Aromas School a few blocks away at 365 Vega St. were told not to leave or have anyone enter the school. By 4:45 p.m., some parents at the school were allowed to leave with their children, school representatives said.
Neighbors around the home also were evacuated.
Authorities continued to talk to Burse-Woodard through the night. They were relieved by SWAT and hostage teams from Salinas police about 1 a.m. Friday, who continued to talk to her.
Some evacuated residents eventually went to the gymnasium at Aromas School, where the American Red Cross provided food, cots and blankets.
About 7 a.m., Burse-Woodard voluntarily gave up, Nash said. She was arrested on suspicion of making terrorist threats and assault with a deadly weapon, Nash said.
Authorities found three rifles and a handgun in the home.
"There was no indication that alcohol or drugs played a part," Nash said.
Burse-Woodard is being held in Monterey County Jail in lieu of $65,000 bail, according to deputies.
The California Highway Patrol, Monterey County Behavioral Health Services, American Medical Response and Cal Fire also responded to the call.
School was cancelled in Aromas Friday because of the incident.
Follow Sentinel reporter Stephen Baxter at Twitter.com/sbaxter_sc


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Pubmed du 05/04/19
1. Ashworth M, Palikara O, Van Herwegen J. Comparing parental stress of children with neurodevelopmental disorders : The case of Williams syndrome, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2019.
BACKGROUND : Although parental stress is higher for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), it is unclear how this stress compares to more common NDs. The current study compared stress in parents of children with Williams syndrome (WS), Down syndrome (DS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The impact of individual and contextual factors was also explored. METHOD : Parents of children with WS (n = 107), DS (n = 79) and ASD (n = 79) completed a background questionnaire, a parental stress questionnaire and a satisfaction with life questionnaire. RESULTS : Although all groups displayed similar levels of parental stress, the factors that influenced this stress differed between the groups. There were also differences for life satisfaction and relationships between parental stress and individual and contextual factors. CONCLUSIONS : Although parents of children with NDs are not at an increased risk of parental stress, the results suggest that interventions should be syndrome-specific.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
2. Brown HK, Cobigo V, Lunsky Y, Vigod S. Reproductive Health in Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Ontario : Implications for Policy and Practice. Healthcare quarterly (Toronto, Ont). 2019 ; 21(4) : 6-9.
Reproductive healthcare needs of women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have received little attention. Using health and social services administrative data in Ontario, Canada, we comprehensively documented the reproductive health of women with IDD, including their fertility rates, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health after pregnancy. Our findings showed high rates of adverse health outcomes for these women and their babies, supporting the development of reproductive healthcare programs tailored to their unique needs.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
3. Ciarrusta J, O'Muircheartaigh J, Dimitrova R, Batalle D, Cordero-Grande L, Price A, Hughes E, Steinweg JK, Kangas J, Perry E, Javed A, Stoencheva V, Akolekar R, Victor S, Hajnal J, Murphy D, Edwards D, Arichi T, McAlonan G. Social Brain Functional Maturation in Newborn Infants With and Without a Family History of Autism Spectrum Disorder. JAMA network open. 2019 ; 2(4) : e191868.
Importance : What is inherited or acquired in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a fixed outcome, but instead is a vulnerability to a spectrum of traits, especially social difficulties. Identifying the biological mechanisms associated with vulnerability requires looking as early in life as possible, before the brain is shaped by postnatal mechanisms and/or the experiences of living with these traits. Animal studies suggest that susceptibility to neurodevelopmental disorders arises when genetic and/or environmental risks for these conditions alter patterns of synchronous brain activity in the perinatal period, but this has never been examined in human neonates. Objective : To assess whether alternation of functional maturation of social brain circuits is associated with a family history of ASD in newborns. Design, Setting, and Participants : In this cohort study of 36 neonates with and without a family history of ASD, neonates underwent magnetic resonance imaging at St Thomas Hospital in London, England, using a dedicated neonatal brain imaging system between June 23, 2015, and August 1, 2018. Neonates with a first-degree relative with ASD (R+) and therefore vulnerable to autistic traits and neonates without a family history (R-) were recruited for the study. Synchronous neural activity in brain regions linked to social function was compared. Main Outcomes and Measures : Regions responsible for social function were selected with reference to a published meta-analysis and the level of synchronous activity within each region was used as a measure of local functional connectivity in a regional homogeneity analysis. Group differences, controlling for sex, age at birth, age at scan, and group x age interactions, were examined. Results : The final data set consisted of 18 R+ infants (13 male ; median [range] postmenstrual age at scan, 42.93 [40.00-44.86] weeks) and 18 R- infants (13 male ; median [range] postmenstrual age at scan, 42.50 [39.29-44.58] weeks). Neonates who were R+ had significantly higher levels of synchronous activity in the right posterior fusiform (t = 2.48 ; P = .04) and left parietal cortices (t = 3.96 ; P = .04). In addition, there was a significant group x age interaction within the anterior segment of the left insula (t = 3.03 ; P = .04) and cingulate cortices (right anterior : t = 3.00 ; P = .03 ; left anterior : t = 2.81 ; P = .03 ; right posterior : t = 2.77 ; P = .03 ; left posterior : t = 2.55 ; P = .03). In R+ infants, levels of synchronous activity decreased over 39 to 45 weeks' postmenstrual age, whereas synchronous activity levels increased in R- infants over the same period. Conclusions and Relevance : Synchronous activity is required during maturation of functionally connected networks. This study found that in newborn humans, having a first-degree relative with ASD was associated with higher levels of local functional connectivity and dysmaturation of interconnected regions responsible for processing higher-order social information.
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4. Croteau C, Mottron L, Dorais M, Tarride JE, Perreault S. Use, costs, and predictors of psychiatric healthcare services following an autism spectrum diagnosis : Population-based cohort study. Autism. 2019 : 1362361319840229.
A number of cross-sectional studies report extensive use of psychiatric services and high healthcare costs in autistic youths. However, little is known about how the use of these services evolves from the time of diagnosis, as children grow up. Our objectives were to investigate the use, costs, and predictors of psychiatric services following autism spectrum diagnosis. We built a cohort of 1227 newly diagnosed autism spectrum individuals identified in the Quebec (Canada) Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec administrative database (January 1998 to December 2010). Mean number and cost per individual of psychiatric healthcare use (hospitalizations, medical visits, psychoactive drug use) were calculated yearly for 5 years following autism spectrum diagnosis. Mean number of psychiatric visits decreased over time by more than threefold (7.5 vs 2.1 visits) from year 1 to year 5, whereas psychoactive drug use increased from 16.0 to 25.2 claims. Psychiatric hospitalizations decreased during follow-up, but still represented the greatest costs per individual (CAD9820 for year 1 ; CAD4628 for year 5). Antipsychotics represented over 50% of drug costs. Mixed-effect model with repeated measures showed that previous psychoactive drug use was the strongest predictor of greater psychiatric healthcare cost during follow-up (odds ratio : 9.96 ; 95% confidence interval : 7.58-13.10). These trends contrast with guidelines advocating cautious prescribing of antipsychotics with periodical re-assessment of their benefit.
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5. Dijkhuis RR, Ziermans T, van Rijn S, Staal W, Swaab H. Emotional Arousal During Social Stress in Young Adults With Autism : Insights From Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability and Self-Report. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019.
In order to better understand which factors play a role in non-adaptive social behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) we looked into physiological arousal and awareness of one's own emotions. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured during a public speaking task in 51 young adults with ASD and 28 typically developing (TD) controls. The results showed no significant group differences in baseline HR/HRV, HR reactivity (change from baseline to the speaking task) or self-reported emotional awareness. However, adults with ASD showed significantly lower HRV reactivity (p = .023, d = 0.6) compared to TD adults. These results suggest a mismatch between arousal regulation and emotional awareness, which may be related to problems in social adaptation in ASD.
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6. McDonald CA, Donnelly JP, Feldman-Alguire AL, Rodgers JD, Lopata C, Thomeer ML. Special Education Service Use by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019.
In the last decade, the prevalence of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability (ID) in schools has increased. However, there is a paucity of information on special education placement, service use, and relationships between service use and demographic variables for children with ASD without ID. This study aimed to describe and explore variation in type and amount of special education services provided to (N = 89) children with ASD. Results indicated that the largest percentage of children received services under the Autism classification (56.2%) and were in partial-inclusion settings (40.4%). The main services received were speech (70.8%) and occupational (56.2%) therapies, while few children received behavior plans (15.7%) or social skills instruction (16.9%). Correlates with service use are described.
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7. Mello S, Alper M, Allen AA. Physician Mediation Theory and Pediatric Media Guidance in the Digital Age : A Survey of Autism Medical and Clinical Professionals. Health Commun. 2019 : 1-11.
Research on physician mediation suggests that physicians actively discuss media use (e.g., seeking online health information) with their patients. This theory has been limited though with respect to incorporating key behavioral determinants, varied forms of mediation, and samples beyond primary care physicians (MDs). A survey of 335 U.S.-based medical and clinical professionals (MCPs) treating pediatric clients on the autism spectrum (e.g., pediatricians, speech-language pathologists) examined how they advise caregivers about managing their child's recreational media and technology use, also known as media guidance. Results indicate the frequency of these discussions varies by MCP type. Hierarchical regression analyses show, as hypothesized, that additional behavioral and contextual determinants not previously considered (i.e., perceived norms, self-efficacy, information sources and child factors) are significantly associated with positive, negative and redirective mediation practices. Results expand existing theory and justify extending physician mediation research beyond MDs. Implications for clinical practice and health communication research are discussed.
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8. Meza RD, Beidas RS, Ehrhart MG, Mandell DS, Dorsey S, Frederick L, Oh C, Locke J. Discrepancies and Agreement in Perceptions of Implementation Leadership : Associations with Dosage of School-Based Evidence-Based Practices for Children with Autism. Administration and policy in mental health. 2019.
Studies demonstrate that discrepancies among leader-follower perceptions of leadership are related to organizational processes that may impact evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation. However, it is unknown whether discrepancies in leadership perceptions also predict EBP use. This study examined the association of principal-staff alignment and discrepancy in perceptions of implementation leadership with the dosage of three Autism-focused school-based EBPs, Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training (PRT), and Visual Schedules. PRT dosage was higher when principals under-rated their implementation leadership and when it was agreed upon that implementation leadership was low. Findings have implications for leaders support of EBPs implemented in school-based settings.
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9. Mul CL, Cardini F, Stagg SD, Sadeghi Esfahlani S, Kiourtsoglou D, Cardellicchio P, Aspell JE. Altered bodily self-consciousness and peripersonal space in autism. Autism. 2019 : 1362361319838950.
There is some evidence that disordered self-processing in autism spectrum disorders is linked to the social impairments characteristic of the condition. To investigate whether bodily self-consciousness is altered in autism spectrum disorders as a result of multisensory processing differences, we tested responses to the full body illusion and measured peripersonal space in 22 adults with autism spectrum disorders and 29 neurotypical adults. In the full body illusion set-up, participants wore a head-mounted display showing a view of their 'virtual body' being stroked synchronously or asynchronously with respect to felt stroking on their back. After stroking, we measured the drift in perceived self-location and self-identification with the virtual body. To assess the peripersonal space boundary we employed an audiotactile reaction time task. The results showed that participants with autism spectrum disorders are markedly less susceptible to the full body illusion, not demonstrating the illusory self-identification and self-location drift. Strength of self-identification was negatively correlated with severity of autistic traits and contributed positively to empathy scores. The results also demonstrated a significantly smaller peripersonal space, with a sharper (steeper) boundary, in autism spectrum disorders participants. These results suggest that bodily self-consciousness is altered in participants with autism spectrum disorders due to differences in multisensory integration, and this may be linked to deficits in social functioning.
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10. Schuck RK, Flores RE, Fung LK. Brief Report : Sex/Gender Differences in Symptomology and Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more prevalent in males than females. Previous research indicates females camouflage ASD symptoms more than males, potentially contributing to the difference in prevalence. This study investigated sex/gender differences in behavioral phenotypes in 17 males and 11 females with ASD, as well camouflaging in ASD, in an attempt to partially replicate findings from Lai et al. (Autism 21(6):690-702, 2017). Overall ASD symptoms were measured by the autism spectrum quotient (AQ). Mean AQ in females with ASD was higher than males with ASD, with the difference approaching statistical significance. Camouflaging was found to be more common in females with ASD, and not associated to social phobia. Furthermore, camouflaging correlated negatively with emotional expressivity in females, but not males, with ASD. These findings strengthen previous findings regarding camouflaging being more common in females and add to the literature on how camouflaging may be different in females versus males.
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11. Tartaglia N, Bonn-Miller M, Hagerman R. Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome with Cannabidiol : A Case Series Study and Brief Review of the Literature. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. 2019 ; 4(1) : 3-9.
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an X-linked dominant disorder caused by a mutation in the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an exogenous phytocannabinoid with therapeutic potential for individuals with anxiety, poor sleep, and cognitive deficits, as well as populations with endocannabinoid deficiencies, such as those who suffer from FXS. The objective of this study was to provide a brief narrative review of recent literature on endocannabinoids and FXS and to present a case series describing three patients with FXS who were treated with oral CBD-enriched (CBD+) solutions. We review recent animal and human studies of endocannabinoids in FXS and present the cases of one child and two adults with FXS who were treated with various oral botanical CBD+ solutions delivering doses of 32.0 to 63.9 mg daily. Multiple experimental and clinical models of FXS combine to highlight the therapeutic potential of CBD for management of FXS. All three patients described in the case series exhibited functional benefit following the use of oral CBD+ solutions, including noticeable reductions in social avoidance and anxiety, as well as improvements in sleep, feeding, motor coordination, language skills, anxiety, and sensory processing. Two of the described patients exhibited a reemergence of a number of FXS symptoms following cessation of CBD+ treatment (e.g., anxiety), which then improved again after reintroduction of CBD+ treatment. Findings highlight the importance of exploring the therapeutic potential of CBD within the context of rigorous clinical trials.
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12. Zhang L, Ma R, Yuan Y, Lian D, Qi X, Zheng N, Li K. The value of diffusion tensor imaging for differentiating autism spectrum disorder with language delay from developmental language disorder among toddlers. Medicine. 2019 ; 98(14) : e15058.
BACKGROUND : Impaired language function is frequently observed as an initial sign in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, clinically, the early stages of ASD are difficult to distinguish from those of developmental language disorder (DLD). OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the ability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters for language-related white matter tracts (arcuate fasciculus) to differentiate ASD from DLD among toddlers. MATERIALS AND METHODS : We included 16 ASD toddlers with language delay and 18 DLD toddlers in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging sequences included T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), T1 3-dimensional magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo (3D MP-RAGE), and DTI. Tractography was performed using Neuro 3D in the Siemens Syngo Workstation, and fractional anisotropy (FA), average fiber length (AFL), tract volume (TV), and number of voxels (NV) were automatically calculated. Data were then analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22. RESULTS : The ASD group exhibited significantly lower FA values, as well as significantly higher TV and NV values compared with the DLD group. With age as the covariate, analysis of covariance revealed different significances in TV and NV. Analysis of variance for AFL revealed no significant differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION : DTI parameters of arcuate fasciculus were useful for differentiating ASD with language delay from DLD among toddlers. DTI has the potential to provide an objective and effective method for aiding early diagnosis, early intervention and improving long-term outcomes of ASD.


text:
The greatest cars to drive are often complete death traps. But it's the end of the world, so who cares? Jalopnik readers have found ten dream cars they'd drive backwards, on fire, through the pearly gates.
Welcome back to Answers of the Day — our daily Jalopnik feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
The very best cars in the world are so expensive that you'd have to steal to own them, and they're so fast that you'd die driving them. Happily, however, a bunch of eschaphiliacs always think that the world is going to end at some point near, so you have a good excuse to lie and cheat your way into the seat of your dream car.
When you get caught, just blame everything on the apocalypse. You thought the world was ending. We all did, ha ha, they really can't hold you accountable for stealing a Koenigsegg from the dealership and racing down an active runway.
Of course, there are those of us who love other human beings and not just cars, so we've included some touching end-of-days road trips as well. Remember, we are anticipating absolute global meltdown, not mad Max-style dystopia, so clutch your nearest and dearest tight.
If you manage to survive the impending destruction of Earth and you think there's something that we rudely left off this list, let us know in Kinja below.
Photo Credit: Ken Eden, National Archives and Records Administration
10.) Porsche 917/30 at Sebring
The 1,000+ turbocharged Porsche Can-Am car remains one of the most unhinged race cars ever made, and only someone with a death wish would try and get it flat out on Florida's bumpy track. d_breezer has a bit of a backstory with the car and track, though.
The power, history, and dominance of the car speak for themselves, but Sebring will always be special to me. My late father and I started making the trip to the 12 hours together and eventually my mother and now wife started tagging along. Racing has always been in my family's blood, but that beat up old airfield created some of the best family memories of the last few years I had with my dad.
Suggested By: d_breezer, Photo Credit: Pawel Litwinski/Gooding & Company
9.) McLaren 12C, on the 'Ring with Jackie Stewart
We want to at least enjoy some time behind the wheel at the world's most legendary race track, so TheBaron2112 would take a new McLaren, and he'd have help from the Ringmeister.
McLaren MP4-12c on an empty Nurburgring Nordschleife. I want to drive it faster and faster, to the car's limits and mine, until I either die from flying off the track, or from the feeling that I will never again experience the same exhilaration ever again in life.
With Jackie Stewart as a co-driver.
Suggested By: TheBaron2112, Photo Credit: McLaren
8.) Lancia Stratos, into the sunset
Straightsix9904 asks, "why let the universe be in control of when your life ends?" Why not go out in one of the most notoriously difficult cars to drive fast, with a turbocharged Ferrari engine screaming behind you?
Suggested By: Straightsix9904, Photo Credit: John Rutter
7.) Senna's McLaren
While we're hear dreaming our fantasy drives, let's indulge ourselves with the ultimate fantasy car, Ayrton Senna's Mclaren MP4/4. Here's eharken123's perfect final drive, going from the Autobahn, to the 'Ring, and finally down to the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, where it all comes to an end.
Just enough time, I scream through the tunnel and into the legendary chicane. I attack the pool section, and fly past the historic pits one last time. Ten seconds before the end of the world. I'm approaching the world famous tunnel for my last time. I take in the extraordinary sound of the engine, and the wind flowing over all the intricate body work. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel approaching fast. I am almost there, and the clock strikes 12. The world flashes a blindingly bright white, a gigantic boom can be heard for light years. This only lasts a split second, and when it's over, there is nothing. And THAT, is perhaps the most epic last drive I can imagine.
Suggested By: eharken123, Photo Credit: Getty Images
6.) Our Old Chevy S-10
Much as we all dream of fantasy cars, sometimes it's the most ordinary cars that we grow the most attached to. Rai_Fox still longs for his old S-10, and that's what he drive on the end of days.
If I could have anything...it would be my old '91 S-10 Blazer. I know that sound silly, but that truck will always be special to me, more so than any supercar could be. It wasn't my first car, but it was the first that wasn't a hand-me-down, the first I picked myself. It was the truck I took on my first trips and adventures as an "adult," on my own. It was the truck I took to the places and times that shaped my life. It's the truck parked in the background of the mental snapshots of so many of my most important memories — at least, the ones that didn't take place inside it.
It was also a damn good truck in its own right; handled everything I ever threw at it without a single complaint, kept me safe though everything, virtually never had even the most minor issues, and never any major failures at all, and with the good strong 4.3, was quite a bit of fun, too.
If I had my choice, my last drive would be one more long road trip with friends packed in and gear piled in until I can't see out the rear window.
Unfortunately, around here, no Blazer beats rust forever. I've loved all three cars I've had since it, especially the Genesis Coupe I have now, but no matter what else I own, I doubt I'll ever be as attached to any car or truck as that one. I still wish there had been some way I could have saved it.
Suggested By: Rai_Fox, Photo Credit: Chevrolet
5.) A Porsche 911, the wife and kid, across America
Driving is so often depicted as a something best enjoyed alone. It's supposedly a relationship between the driver and the car, with no one else to distract the two. Automatch wouldn't leave out his family.
When I first thought about this question, I was selfish; my immediate reaction was something totally bonkers like Bugatti or an F40. But I am going to take a 911. That way my wife and son (he is only 3 months so he can fit in the back) can cruise along with me. The Porsche is an icon (love it or hate it), fast enough to be fun, yet comfy enough not to punish you for a long ride. Though I would make mine a Turbo S.
Suggested By: Automatch, Photo Credit: Porsche
4.) Our Nova, up the Pacific coast
There's more to life than supercars. I hoon, therefore I am would take his hot rod Nova up some of the best driving country in America, let alone the world.
Car: My first (which I still own). A 1971 Nova. It has an LS engine, though I'd pull the 4L80e for a T56, and change the wheels/tires (it runs on drag radials and pizza cutters temporarily right now)
Drive: Phoenix (where I currently live) to Lake Chelan, WA.
-Drive through Havasu to LA
-Hit the PCH up to the Golden Gate bridge (which I stupidly never did on my drives to/from home during summers in college)
-North on I5 to Seattle to wave goodbye to Safeco and the CLink (as well as Pike Place, the Needle, the Troll, et al.)
-Back south to the 12 east through White Pass (where I used to ski every winter) and Rimrock to Selah (my hometown)
-Up the 97 to Lake Chelan, where we used to tow the boat for summer vacations. One of the most gorgeous places on earth.
Granted, most of this is for nostalgic purposes, but the drive through Northern California, Oregon, and (especially) Washington is simply stunning.
Suggested By: I hoon, therefore I am, Photo Credit: I hoon, therefore I am
3.) AC Cobra on the Isle of Mann
The last great road racing circuit left is around the Isle of Mann. It has some of the gnarliest, twistiest, most undulating roads to ever welcome a race car (or a race bike). So long as we're not going to make it to tomorrow, we might as well do the course in a Cobra, explains burglar.
It would be in an original race Cobra, full tilt, on something insane like The Isle of Man. Half of that big 427 side oiler bellowing away just two feet from my left ear, the right bank echoing off of the walls. Period correct bias ply tires giving zero feedback. And basically zero crash protection in one of the most notoriously difficult cars to hustle around ever.
I just hope I'd get at last one full lap in before the snake inevitably turned around and struck me.
Suggested By: burglar, Photo Credit: Jez B
2.) Gravedigger, to the ends of the Earth
Come on, you know you want to drive it. Cazzyodo, we like your style.
1) The power.
2) The legend.
3) The sheer size and speed is unlike ANYTHING else.
4) You can crush all other vehicles enjoying their last drive.
5) It's a workout to get into the cab.
6) Potholes would mean nothing.
7) It would be fun...and that's all that matters.
Suggested By: cazzyodo, Photo Credit: Nathan Rupert
1.) Bloodhound SSC
The Bloodhound SSC will be the fastest car, hell, thing on land. EdE91 knows what to do.
Bloodhound SSC, naked, singing "Rule Britannia". Get her up to speed, light those rockets and see where we get to...
Suggested By: EdE91, Photo Credit: Bloodhound SSC


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President Obama explains the NSA's secret surveillance program at an event in California, reassuring the public, "When it comes to telephone calls, nobody is listening to your telephone calls. That's not what this program's about."
President Obama defended what he called long-standing Internet and phone monitoring programs as valuable tools to fight terrorism, saying that congressional lawmakers have been repeatedly briefed on the program and that federal judges oversee the program "throughout."
"Nobody is listening to your telephone calls," Obama said. "That's not what this program is about. As was indicated, what the intelligence community is doing is looking at the numbers and durations of calls. They're not looking at names and they're not looking at content, but sifting through this so-called meta data, they may identify potential leads with respect to people that might engage in terrorism."
He said the programs have been subject to congressional and judicial review and approval.
"I think on balance we have established a process and a procedure that the American people should feel comfortable about," Obama said.
The president's remarks came one day after the revelation of two secret programs that allow government intelligence agencies to gather information on domestic phone and Internet usage by American citizens.
"I don't welcome leaks, because there's a reason why these programs are classified," Obama said, regarding the unauthorized release of confidential documents such as the one that led to the initial Guardian report on the phone records program.
The president made the comments following a statement on the Affordable Care Act in San Jose, Calif. The president is scheduled to begin a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California later on Friday.
According to the Washington Post, Internet companies including Google and Facebook are denying involvement in National Security Agency programs, named PRISM and BLARNEY, which allow the government to look at archived data and information as it is being transmitted. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.
On Thursday, the United States' top intelligence official declassified details of the top secret phone records program after it was revealed, while also blasting the leak.
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper took the step in a statement issued on Thursday night, after media reports revealed the programs that have been used to collect the phone records of Americans and monitor Internet use.
Referencing a report that first appeared in Britain's Guardian newspaper, Clapper said that the "unauthorized disclosure of a top secret U.S. court document threatens potentially long-lasting and irreversible harm to our ability to identify and respond to the many threats facing our nation."
Clapper said in the statement that he was declassifying some details of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to "provide a more thorough understanding of the program."
"Although this program has been properly classified, the leak of one order, without any context, has created a misleading impression of how it operates. Accordingly, we have determined to declassify certain limited information about this program," Clapper said.
The program does not allow the government to surveil the contents of phone calls made by Americans, but what is referenced in the order published by the Guardian as "telephony metadata" includes the sending and receiving telephone numbers and the length of the call, according to Clapper.
"The collection is broad in scope because more narrow collection would limit our ability to screen for and identify terrorism-related communications," Clapper said. "Acquiring this information allows us to make connections related to terrorist activities over time. The FISA court specifically approved this method of collection as lawful, subject to stringent restrictions."
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Thursday that government powers under the Patriot Act are reviewed by a "robust legal regime."
Clapper also said that members of Congress, some of whom reacted with indignation to media reports about the program on Thursday, had been "fully and repeatedly briefed" on the program described in the Guardian article. Similar statements about Congressmembers' knowledge of the program were made by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, on Thursday.
"It began in 2009 – what appeared in the Guardian today, as I understand it, is simply a court reauthorization of a program. The court is required to look at it every three months," Feinstein said.
- NSA snooping has foiled multiple terror plots: Feinstein
- Sources: US intelligence agencies tap servers of top Internet companies
- Obama continues, extends some Bush terrorism policies
This story was originally published on Fri Jun 7, 2013 8:09 AM EDT